Programme suspended

The Postgraduate Distance Learning Diploma in International Dispute Resolution - Arbitration is for you if you are seeking a qualification in International Commercial Arbitration but need the flexibility of online learning. This distance learning course is aimed at practising lawyers, barristers, solicitors and in-house lawyers who cannot attend classes in London. If you don't have a background in law but you do have arbitration experience, for example, engineers, surveyors and accountants, you may also be interested in this course.

Arbitration is becoming an increasingly popular and more specialised method to resolve disputes: the School of International Arbitration at Queen Mary is a world-renowned centre of excellence in research and teaching of international arbitration.

The Postgraduate Distance Learning Diploma in International Dispute Resolution - Arbitration covers a comprehensive arbitration curriculum with in-depth study of arbitration theory and exposure to arbitration practical issues (including how to draft arbitration awards), and is taught by leading academics and practitioners in the field. The programme covers a wide range of arbitration-related topics (commercial arbitration, construction arbitration, investment arbitration, ADR, litigation, substantive commercial law).

The diploma is aimed not only at lawyers, but also at other professionals who may be involved in arbitration. A legal qualification will not be a pre-requisite for admission, although you will be expected to appreciate that the course will involve an understanding of law and legal implications. References and materials will be legally orientated, but this will enable the non-lawyer to be better equipped to deal with the issues raised in international commercial arbitration.

Law as a subject is particularly suitable for online learning as it is primarily text-based, so delivery of teaching materials is not restricted by bandwidth limitations. Most of the relevant materials for law are available in digital format from databases such as Lexis and Westlaw, which you will be able to access through your Queen Mary student account.

This programme will:

Give you a solid grounding on all major issues arising in day-to-day arbitration practice.

Enable you to apply your learning, knowledge

Enable you to apply your learning, knowledge, skills and expertise to your work straight away and help to further your career

The School of Law has consistently been ranked in the top 10 law schools in the UK for the quality of our research and teaching, and many of our internationally recognised staff act as advisers to governments, industry and NGOs, both nationally and internationally.

You get the full benefits of studying for a recognised UK university qualification from a leading institution which belongs to both the University of London and Russell Group of leading UK universities whilst maintaining your existing professional and personal commitments.

Benefit from regular interactive online support and feedback on mini assignments set by the academics to help you remain focused and motivated

Network and share ideas with fellow students via online forums, which provide additional support and professional development

Our teaching staff are experts in their field, informed by industry experience and the world-leading research of the School of International Arbitration at Queen Mary

Facilities

We use a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) as a platform to deliver clear course structures, teaching materials and to create interactive courses. You will have online access to Queen Mary’s libraries and online journals, and all of our e-learning facilities. Through the University of London College network, students have access to an unrivalled range of electronic law journals and databases.

Structure

You can study the Postgraduate Distance Learning Diploma in International Dispute Resolution - Arbitration, part-time over 18 months (including the assessment and graduation period) by distance learning.

The year is divided into two seven-month terms, with a selection of elective modules being offered during the second term. The diploma requires the successful completion of 120 credits.

Taught modules (22.5 or 45 credits).

Each module requires around seven and a half hours of work a week over one term. Each module assessment will vary and consist of assessed tasks, a module essay and final assessment exercise (take-home exam).

Dissertation (15,000-words) (45 credits) – on a topic of your own choice.

Distance learning

Increasingly we all face more pressures in our business lives and finding the time to attend courses can be very difficult. Distance learning is the solution to your training needs; it allows you the full benefits of studying for a recognised UK university qualification whilst still in full-time employment using this freedom and flexibility to your advantage.

You can set the pace at which you learn and decide when, where and how long you want to study for.

This programme is delivered via our web-based virtual learning environment (VLE). All written assignments are submitted through the e-learning system. You are encouraged to interact with teaching staff and other students in online discussion forums, join group activities and be part of the student community.

Contact

Entry requirements

Law graduates

The usual qualification for entry to the Postgraduate Diploma in International Dispute Resolution (Mediation) is a degree in law, or a degree with a substantial law content, of at least 2.1 honours (or equivalent). Law graduates with 2.2 honours who also have other legal qualifications and/or substantial professional legal experience may also qualify.

Non-law graduates

Non-law graduates with a minimum second class honours degree, that have also obtained a Merit (or 60 per cent) in the Common Professional Examination (CPE) or Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) recognised by the UK professional bodies, may also qualify. Non-law graduates may also be considered on the basis of exceptional professional experience (of at least five years) in a legal area or an area directly related to their programme of study.

In all cases, a full online application is required in order for a fair assessment and decision to be made. Each application is considered on its merits and on sight of full application documents.

A full and detailed CV is required for all applications and is particularly relevant where professional experience needs to be considered.

International applicants

Students from outside of the UK help form a global community here at Queen Mary. For detailed country specific entry requirements please visit the International section of our website. If your first language is not English, you must provide evidence of your English language proficiency. Find details of the English language entry requirements for postgraduate law programmes.

Learning and teaching

The Diploma is taught by leading experts in the area and covers international and comparative commercial arbitration.

Continuous assessment will enhance the student-tutor relationship and you will be provided with regular feedback. You will also be able to address questions and concerns directly to the course convenor and the course director. You are entitled to use specialist electronic databases, such as Westlaw and LexisNexis.

Assessment

Each module will consist of assessed tasks, a module essay and final assessment exercise (take-home exam).

Dissertation

If you take the dissertation option, you will produce a research paper of 15,000-words on a topic of your own choosing.

Part time fees are charged per annum over two years for a two year programme and per annum over three years for a three year programme. A percentage increase may be applied to the fees in years two and three.

This increase is defined each year and published on the intranet and in the Tuition Fee Regulations. A 3% increase was applied to the unregulated university fees in 2019/20.Further information can be viewed on our University Fees webpage, including details about annual increases.